Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the reactivation of the inter-agency Livestock Data Analytics Group (LDAG) to protect both producers and consumers in the face of market volatility and supply fluctuations. This move aims to ensure stability and security within the agricultural sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the pivotal role of the LDAG in facilitating data-driven planning, forecasting, and policy creation under DA Special Order (SO) 599. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to guarantee food security, accessibility, and affordability. Laurel highlighted the necessity of up-to-date data on market trends and behavior to safeguard and promote the industry's growth while protecting consumers.

Under SO 599, the LDAG will be tasked with developing supply and demand outlooks, conducting trend analyses, and producing regular Livestock and Poultry Situationer reports. These reports will cover key areas such as pork, chicken, eggs, dairy, carabao, and milk. Additionally, the group will collect and consolidate information on volume production, animal inventory, cold storage inventory, farmgate prices, and production costs.

Laurel pointed out the dynamic nature of the market, underscoring the need for reliable information to enable accurate forecasts and timely decision-making. The LDAG is required to coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority, commodity focal persons, and industry stakeholders through regular consultation meetings, as outlined in the SO.

The leadership of the LDAG will include Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica and Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin Albarece as co-chairpersons, while National Livestock Program Deputy Director Noverlee Calub will serve as vice chairperson.